Pseudoblaps nuristanica Kaszab, 1960: New Record for Pakistan (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Objective: This study documents new records of Tenebrionidae in Pakistan and contribute to the country’s fauna diversity. This study first documented the occurrence of Pseudoblaps nuristanica Kaszab 1960 in Pakistan, describing the species and providing illustrations of its genitalia and fore tibia. Such discoveries not only expand our knowledge base but also highlight the rich biodiversity within Pakistan’s East Palaearctic zone, which remains largely unexplored.
Materials and Methods: The specimen, which is now part of the first author’s collection (ZACP), was discovered in the lowland region of the Sheikh Badin National Park, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The species was identified by Maxim Nabozhenko (personal communication). The habitat is characterised by semi-arid regions with bushes, and specimens were collected at night.
Results: This new record establishes the occurrence of Pseudoblaps nuristanica in Pakistan, enriching the diversity of Tenebrionidae in the region.
Conclusion: Previous beetle checklists for Pakistan have been incomplete, partly due to uncertainties regarding species housed in the country's museums. Thorough exploration and preservation of insect fauna in museums are essential. The study not only documents a novel finding and provides comprehensive illustrations and descriptions of the species’ morphological characteristics.
